News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

American University

Department of Performing Arts

Visit Web Site
TwitterCollege Twitter FacebookCollege Facebook InstagramCollege Instagram

4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington,District of Columbia 20016
(202) 885-1000
admissions@american.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Minor in Theatre

Bachelor of Arts in Dance

Minor in Dance

Master of Arts in Arts Management


American University's Theatre and Musical Theatre Programs will provide you with the necessary education to enable you to perform in, design, manage, or direct a production and succeed in a variety of professions outside the theatre. Both programs are grounded in a strong liberal arts tradition. The Theatre major features specialized tracks in Performance, Design and Technical Theatre, or Arts Management. Theatre majors may also opt to honor the liberal arts tradition by choosing the broadly focused and interdisciplinary Theatre Arts track. The Musical Theatre major builds upon the same liberal arts foundation of the theatre major by combining it with serious training in acting, voice, and dance. Regardless of major or track, all students are encouraged to develop their critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity. The theatre and music theatre faculty offer students the benefit of their academic training as well as their expertise as seasoned scholars, performers, writers, directors, designers, and choreographers. They are dedicated and committed to their profession and as professionals are able to bring some of the "real world" into the classroom. In the past, theatre students have had the opportunity to work closely with and observe internationally recognized artists in core classes, electives, productions, and extra-curricular seminars and workshops. Some of our distinguished guests and teaching artists include: Broadway composer Dick Scanlon, LA Writer/Producer and Emmy winner Gary Dontzig, Broadway Director Scott Ellis, Signature Theatre's Michael Baron, Fords' Theatre's Mark Ramont, Synetic Theatre's Paata Tsikurishvili, Broadway designer James Kronzer, and Hollywood actor Herb Edelman.

Notable Alumni Include:

Michele Snyder, Vishal Vaidya (Groundhog Day the Musical), Margo Seibert (Rocky the Musical), America Ferrera, Goldie Hawn.




Faculty Info:

Jason Arnold (Designer in Residence), Nathan Blustein (Professorial Lecturer), Faedra Chatard Carpenter (Assoc Professor), Tara Giordano (Professorial Lecturer), Caleen Jennings (Professor), Karl Kippola (Associate Professor), Gail Mardirosian (Associate Prof Emerita), Carl Menninger (Assistant Professor), Aaron Posner (Associate Professor), Meghan Raham (Associate Professor), Colleen Sullivan (Professorial Lecturer), Sybil Williams (Director of African American and African Diaspora Studies), Robert Williams (Fight Choreographer in Residence).



Related Articles

Creative Cauldron Closes 2023-24 Season With THE BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER CHAMELEON SKIN
by A.A. Cristi - May 03, 2024

In May, Creative Cauldron will present The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin. A show about a girl who is stuck between two worlds within her own identity, as she strives to make a name for herself in the bright lights of Broadway.

Kara Noble, Martin Kluger, and Mark Auerbach Join The Springfield Chamber Players to Perform JOHNNY APPLESEED
by Stephi Wild - April 23, 2024

Kara Noble, Springfield Symphony Orchestra timpanist Martin Kluger; and Westfield Community Programming ArtsBeat host Mark Auerbach will narrate in the upcoming Springfield Chamber Players performance of Clifton J. Noble, Jr. 's folk cantata Johnny Appleseed.

Keen Company to Present DIRECTORFEST in May At Theatre Row
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 18, 2024

Discover the talents of two emerging directors as Keen Company collaborates with The Drama League for DIRECTORFEST at Theatre Row. Learn more!

Ohio's Rick Sowash to Release 'VOYAGEURS' CD of Clarinet Trios
by Blair Ingenthron - April 14, 2024

Cincinnati's Rick Sowash, a prolific, self-described “outsider composer” with some 500 published scores to his credit, will release world-premiere recordings of the final three of his 13 clarinet trios on the CD Voyageurs, available April 19, 2024, from Kickshaw Records (Kickshaw 1003).

Salted Lemon Presents BUZZER At Court Square Theater
by A.A. Cristi - April 10, 2024

Explore Salted Lemon's latest production, BUZZER, a riveting drama that pushes boundaries and challenges perceptions. Uncover the story behind the hype in this must-see theatrical event.

Brooklyn Film Festival 27th Edition to Feature 150 Film Premieres
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 05, 2024

Catch the 27th Edition of the Brooklyn Film Festival showcasing 150 film premieres. See the films been featured and learn how to purchase tickets.

TCG Books and Arena Stage to Present Conversation & Book Signing with Todd London
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 05, 2024

Theatre Communications Group and Arena Stage will present a book release celebration for The Long Revolution: Sixty Years on the Frontlines of a New American Theatre by Zelda Fichandler. Learn more about the book and see how to attend the conversation.

MARY POPPINS JR. Brings a Spoonful of Sugar to Casa Mañana
by A.A. Cristi - April 02, 2024

Discover the magic of MARY POPPINS JR. at Casa Mañana. Experience the enchanting world of a classic children's tale brought to life on stage. Perfect for all ages.

REVIEW: Guest Reviewer Sienna Brown Shares Her Thoughts on THE GREAT DIVIDE
by Jade Kops - March 19, 2024

REVIEW: Guest Reviewer Sienna Brown Shares Her Thoughts on THE GREAT DIVIDE

HUMAN MUSEUM Begins Performances At Rorschach Theatre In April
by A.A. Cristi - March 15, 2024

Rorschach Theatre has announced the world-premiere of HUMAN MUSEUM by Miyoko Conley and directed by Randy Baker, April 12 – May 5, 2024.

World Premiere of THE TUTOR Comes to New Conservatory Theatre Center in April
by Stephi Wild - February 23, 2024

New Conservatory Theatre Center will present a world premiere commission in association with Golden Thread Productions this April. The Tutor is written by Golden Thread’s Founding Artistic Director Emeritus, Torange Yeghiazarian and directed by the company’s current Executive Artistic Director, Sahar Assaf.

Video: Cast & Director Matthew Penn On Barrington Stage's 10x10 Play Festival
by Joshua Wright - February 22, 2024

Watch a discussion about the artistic process of producing Barrington Stage's annual 10 minute play festival - featuring director Matthew Penn and cast members Peggy Pharr Wilson, Matt Neely and Robert Zukerman.

Frist Art Museum Elects Five New Members to Board of Trustees
by Stephi Wild - February 13, 2024

Five new board members have been elected to the Frist Art Museum Board of Trustees. The new members are Phillip G. Billington, Ramon L. Cisneros, Donald R. Hardin Jr., Dee Patel, and Tara Scarlett.

Cast Announced for AT THE WEDDING at Studio Theatre
by Blair Ingenthron - February 11, 2024

The cast and crew has been announced for Bryna Turner's hilarious and meditative comedy At the Wedding, which will start performances on March 13. Learn more here!

Complete Cast Set for SWIMMING IN JERUSALEM: A MODERN MUSICAL PARABLE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 05, 2024

Swimming in Jerusalem: A Modern Musical Parable will be presented in a concert format for five free public performances at off-Broadway's Theater555. Learn how to purchase tickets.



Past Student Productions

SHOW THEATER
The Women
(10/15/20 - 10/16/20)
American University
Significant Other
(4/23/20 - 4/25/20)
Katzen Arts Center at American University
HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS...TRYING in Broadway HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS...TRYING
(10/17/19 - 10/26/19)
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
A View from the Bridge
(4/11/19 - 4/13/19)
CAST
American University- AU Players
HAIR
(4/2/19 - 4/12/19)
American University of Bulgaria - Broadway Performance Club
The Government Inspector (Hatcher)
(3/28/19 - 3/30/19)
American University
PIPPIN in Broadway PIPPIN
(10/18/18 - 10/27/18)
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
ASSASSINS
(2/15/18 - 2/17/18)
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
LITTLE WOMEN
(10/19/17 - 10/28/17)
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Allegro
(2/23/17 - 2/25/17)
American University
A FUNNY THING...FORUM
(10/20/16 - 10/29/16)
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
The Threepenny Opera
(10/15/15 - 10/24/15)
American University
SPRING AWAKENING
(2/12/15 - 2/14/15)
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
RENT
(2/20/14 - 3/1/14)
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
(3/29/12 - 4/1/12)
CAST
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
THE WHO'S TOMMY
(10/20/11 - 10/29/11)
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
BroadwayWorld Student Center
Program Guide Show Calendar Find a Scholarship

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL

Recommended For You